Bull Hill/Mt. Taurus Hike (~8 miles w/ hills)

Let’s head to Bull Hill/Mt. Taurus in COLD SPRING. I’ll lead a group of hikers to Bull Hill to take beautiful scenic photos along the path. It’s possible we’ll munch on some berries off a bush, making sure to enjoy the exercise and accomplishment of raising to the top. Let’s meet at GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL (GCT) to take the 9:45 AM Metro-North from GCT to COLD SPRING. Round trip: $29.00 OFF-PEAK. I plan to be seated at 9:30 AM. (☞ﾟヮﾟ)☞ If you don't see me or the group, just get on the train and meet in COLD SPRING. Hey, can I get there some other way? If you’re coming from another Metro-North station or a different mode of transportation and plan to meet our group in COLD SPRING, leave me a message in comments. Be at the station by the time the train arrives at 11:07 AM. Here’s Metro-North train schedule: http://as0.mta.info/mnr/schedules/sched_form.cfm You have until 11:17 AM to get there before I start moving. What trail are we taking? Bull Hill/Mt. Taurus is about a 20 min or 1.5-mile walk from the station via Route 9D/Fair Street. We’ll take the WHITE trail, BLUE, RED, then BLUE again to finally exit the park to walk back to COLD SPRING Metro-North Station. Park Map: https://on.ny.gov/2GfMNAT Total mileage for the day about ~7-8 miles. How long is this hike? Approximately 7-8 miles (first 2 miles very steep hill to climb but NO rock scrambling = no hands needed to walk up). I pretty much average out the entire day to enjoy the scenery, conversation, and the exercise. If you’re in a hurry to get back to NYC, I wouldn’t try to squeeze this hike in your schedule. Is it hard? This is a steep hill for about a good 2 miles before we descend and it flattens out. I don’t run up hills but definitely, I take a few breaks to catch my breath or slow down. Semi-brisk walk through a forest. Please reflect on your ability to walk ~8 miles with 1-2 miles at an incline and going up over 1000 elevation. If you like doing inclines on an elliptical machine or taking the stairs, come on down. Can I leave early? Or can I go on ahead without the group? If you want to leave, just let me know. Although, I don’t advise hiking alone. On this trail, there are 0 dropout points along the route because it’s a loop. You’re more than welcome to double back and leave on your own. If you want to go ahead without the group, just let me know. Bathrooms include GCT, a bathroom at the COLD SPRING station, raspberry or blueberry bushes, and behind a wall in the burned ruins of the Cornish Estate. How do I prepare? I’m not an expert at hiking but this is what I do: Bring at least 3 liters of water; depending on your own thirst level. Wear moisture-wicking shirts and hiking boots. Battery pack if you plan to use any navigation apps or fitness trackers. Pack a lunch (sandwiches, fruit, nuts, trail mix, jerky). (☞ﾟヮﾟ)☞ At the start of the hike, I collect a $1.00 Meetup fee to assist to keep this group running. Rain/Snow/Freezing cold cancels the hike. (☞ﾟヮﾟ)☞ RELEASE OF LIABILITY: In exchange for participating in events, by RSVPing, you agree to follow the rules, any oral instructions or directions of the Event Hosts and Organizers. You also recognize that there are certain inherent risks associated with the above-described activity and you assume full responsibility for personal injury to yourself, and further release and discharge Event Hosts and Organizers for injury, loss or damage arising from your attendance in the event.